End bell



April 1931- A. G. STEINMAYER 1,802,584

END BELL Filed March 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 iiiiil- JAM KM April 28,1931- A. e. STEHNMAYER END BELL 3 Sheets$heet 3 Filed March 21, 1923Patented Apr. '28, 1931 'UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALWIN G.STEI'NMAYEB, OI CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ABSIGNOR TO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERSEQUIPMENT COMPANY, OF CHIOAGQILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS INDBELL Application filed Inch 81, 1928. 'Serlal No. 828,488.

My invention relates to cable end bells and the like.

In the installation of devices of this sort, the cable is led into thebell where its sheath is peeled back or removed and its individualconductors separated. The separated conductors are joined to the aerialor other conductors to which connection is desired, usually throughterminal means associated with 1 the bell. The matter of establishingproper electrical and mechanicalconnection between the separated'cableconductors and said terminal means has presented a difficult problem.Where any of the cable conductors are cut oil too short, which is almostimpossible to avoid, connection with the terminal has either beenimpaired or made impossible.

Where the conductors are too long the resulting slack will permit theconductors to be swung by the flow of current, apart or together,dependin upon the relative directions of current ow in the conductors.In high tension work the conductors will, if there is slack in thempermitting it, be swung within the bell with great force. This swingingof the conductors within the hell stresses the soldered joints betweenthem and the terminal studs and causes air blisters or bubbles in theinsulating compound within the bell. In cold weather the compound may becracked thereby. Air blisters or bubbles in or cracking of the compoundpermits ionization of the air in the blisters or cracks, corona eifectstherethrough and a breaking down of 1 the entire equipment. It isimportant that the compound cover the conductors uniformly and that airblisters and the like in the compound be avoided.

Another problem has been in properly 40 clamping the terminal itself inplace. A joint that will prevent the entrance of moisture is required.The entrance or absorption of moisture would damage the insulation anddecrease the insulating resistance with the likelihood of a break-downfrom short-circuiting or burning out of the cable. Where the terminalsare mounted at the outer ends of lead-out insulators, distribution andminimization of the stresses upon the insulator and connection andsealing parts must be taken into consideration in clamping the terminalsin place.

An object of m invention is the provision of an improve lead-outconnection for clamping the terminal in lace and securing properelectrical and mec anical connection with the cable conductor in spiteof variations in cutting.

Another object is the provision of a tight outlet joint for preventingthe entrance of moisture.

Another object is to avoid im osing mechanical stresses upon the conuctor and where the connection is clamped upon a leadout insulator, tominimize the stresses upon the insulator, cap piece and associatedconnection parts.

Another object is the rovision of improved mounting means or mountingthe bell in various positions and upon various types of supports.

Another object is the provision of a mount" ing that will accommodateitself to variations in the positioning of the attaching means.

The provision made for clamping the terminal in place and securingproper electrical and mechanical connection with the conductor to whichconnection is desired in spite of variation in cutting, as where saidconductor is cut short, as is frequently the case, is one of the chiefadvantages of the invention. Accordin to this phase of the in vention,an adjustable take-up plug is provided for adjusting the position of theterminal for proper connection with the cut-0E cable strand and forclamping the terminal in position without stressing the cable strand,the insulator or associated connector parts. Where the conductor is cutoil short, the takeup plug positions the terminal for proper mechanicaland electrical connection therewith and provides for securely clampingthe terminal in said position.

While I shall describe certain embodiments of the invention inconnection with certain types of end bells, it is to be understood thatthe invention is not limited to use with any particular type, but may beemployed in connection with other forms of end bells, and

in all similar connections. I shall describe the terminal connection asa so-called' leadout connection for the separated or individualconductors of the bell. It is to be understood however that the schememay be used as a lead in Connection in other forms of devices.

a In order to apprise those skilled in the art with the manner ofconstructing and practicing my invention, I shall now describe certainspecific embodiments of the invention in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which I Figure 1 is a vertical section througha device embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail vertical section through the lead-out or aerialconnection shown in Fig.1;

Fig. 3 is a detail elevational view of a inFigs. 1 and 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 are similar views of'modified forms of lead-out or aerialconnections;

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail sections of modified forms of joints that maybeused between the cable and the bottom of the bell; v

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of another form of end bellembodying-- the features of my present invention;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing one mounting ofthe same;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing another mountingof the end bell shown in Figs. 8 and 9; and

Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of the preferred form of socketterminal employed.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the lead covered cable 5, which isshown as having three conductors 6, is led upwardly from the undergroundconduit, for example, and into bowl member 8 which forms the main partof the pot head. The lower end of bowl 8 has a flange 9.

In this instance cable 5 is led up through a pipe or conduit 10, theupper end of which has threaded engagement with a flanged member 12.Bolts 14 draw flanges 9 and 12 together with the radially extendingflange of sealing or bushing member 15 clamped therebetween. Member 15has a conical bore 50 to receive a conical wedge ring 16,. This ring,which is preferably made of some relatively soft conducting material, isdriven firmly into place to ensure good gripping engagement with thecable sheath, permanent grounding and tight sealing against leakage ofcompound. The lead cable sheath is grounded through wedge ring 16 toprevent static accumulation. Such accumulation on a lead covered orsteel-taped cable dissipates itself at the end, and without some sort ofeffective grounding at that. point, would eventually puncture theinsulation and result in a breakdown. The upper inner edge of member 16is rounded or flared out and 65 the cable sheath is rounded or flaredoutover key for the adjustable take-up plug shown shoulders of studs 30.

Bowl 8 has an open top and a removable cover 20 is suitably fastenedthereover, a suitable gasket being preferably provided to secure a tightjoint therebetween. Bowl 8 is provided with integral lugs or ears 22,through which the bowl is adapted to be fastened o r mounted ona pole,wall, cross arm or other suitable support. Within bowl 8 the lead cablesheath having been peeled oil or removed and flared out over wedge ring16, conductors 6 are separated and led out through sleeves of insulation25 to the aerial terminals at the outer ends of insulators 25, whichinsulators are cemented, as shown at 28 in outlet openings in cover 20.

Bowl 8 is filled with insulating compound up to a point above the lowerends of insulators 25, as shown. This may be done by heating thecompound and pouring it in through a filling opening 26in cover20.

The aerial'connections each comprises a terminalstud 30 soldered orotherwise secured upon the ends of conductors 6, the insulation on saidconductors being stripped back just suflieiently to make propermechanical and electrical connection with the sockets in the inner endsof studs 30. The outer reduced threaded shanks 32 of studs 30 projectout freely through cap members 34 cemented upon. the upper ends ofinsulators 25. Cap members 34 have upwardly extending flanges 36internally threaded at 37 and an externally threaded take-up plug orseating member 38 fits for the terminal stud 30 loosely over eachthreaded shank 32 and has'threa-ded engagement with cap member 105 34.Upper ends of plugs 38 are provided with key-ways 40 for engagement by asuitable key 41 ig. 3) by means of which key 41 plugs 38 are screweddown until they engage the Key 41 comprises a sleeve, the lower edge ofwhich is provided with diametrically opposite downwardly extendingprojections 105 for engagement in key-ways 40. Radial notches 106 at theupper end of key 41 facilitate turning same to thread plugs 38 into orout of cap members 34. I

A cap nut 42 threaded down on threaded shank 32 is recessed at its lowerend to engage over upwardly extending flange 36, and down into firmengagement with a gasket 43 interposed between the lower edge thereofand cap member 34, to provide with the cementing of cap 34 on insulator25 a tight joint through which the entrance of moisture is prevented. Itis well known that the entrance of moisture would damage the insulationand decrease the insulating resistance .with the likelihood of abreak-down from short'circuiting or burning out of the cable.

Threaded upon shank 32 into engagement with cap nut 42 is a contact nut45 and between said nut 45 and a second contact nut 46 is clamped asocket terminal 48 into the socket portion of which is soldered orotherwise connected, the aerial or'other conductors or leads 50 to whichconnection of conductors 6 is desired.

The socket terminals-preferably employed include socket portions 108 andcontact por-.

' into engagement with which the terminal studs are properly clamped,nothwithstanding variations in the positioning of said studs. If eitherconductor 6 is cut oil short, for example, the end can still be insertedall the way into socket 52 in stud 30 to secure the desired electricaland mechanical connection therebetween, plug 38 being threaded orscrewed in to take up the difference and properly seat the shoulder atthe upper end of the lower enlarged portion of stud 30. Studs 30 aresecurely clamped in position without stressing the cable conductors orthe insulators 25, caps 34 or associated connector parts and at the sametime by holding the conductor out taut in assembly and threading thetake-up plug down into engagement with the shoulder on the terminalstud, the conductor will be held taut or at least without sufiicientslack to permit the disadvantageous, if not disastrous results referredto at the outset and regardless of variations in length of theconductors. Cap nuts 42 and contact nuts 4546 with plugs 38 clamp theterminals in place and provide metallic seals at the upper ends ofinsulators 25. v

In assembling, member 12 is screwed tightly onto conduit 10. Cable 5 ispulled out far enough to permit easy trimming and spreading ofconductors 6. Grounding collar 15 is arranged over the cable and seatedin member 12. The upper end of the lead cable sheath is p eled ofi',wedge ring 16 inserted and driven rmly into collar 15, and the cablesheath belled out over wedge ring 16 to bind the cable in place andrelieve high potential static, and possibleinjury to the insulation.Conductors 6 are spread out into their approximate relative positionswhen installation is completed. Terminal studs 30 are removed irominsulators 25 by removing cap nuts 42, contact nuts 4546 and take-upplugs 38, and bowl 8 and cover 20 with insulators 25 in place aretemporaril placed on member 12, allowin the indivi ual conductors topass through t eir respective lead-out insulators. The threaded o eningsthrough cap members 34 are prefera l sufliciently large to permitpulling the cab e strands'6 therethrough' and insertion and removal ofstuds 30 into the upper ends of insulators 25 throughsaid cap members34.

The projecting conductors 6 are then marked flush with tops of camembers 34, the casing and cover remove and the individual conductorscut off the pro r distance below said markings. Take-up mit variationsin the cuttin o the con uctors, which variations have een a considerableproblem heretofore. Terminal studs 30:

are soldered to ends of conductors 6, bowl 8 us38 er-, g 80 and cover 20with its insulators 25 are rein through opening 26.

From the foregoing, it will now apparent that the take-up plugs assureproper tautness of the conductors through the bell and that they provideadjustable seats for seating the studs 30 properly with variations inthe lengths of the conductors. The cap nuts 42 thereupon tension thestuds 30 between the nuts 42 and the shoulders on the studs 30 to holdthe studs firmly against their seats on the plugs 38 and the conductorsfirmly in place without stressing the soldered or other joints betweenthe conductors and the studs 30. The cap nuts 42 may be drawn up astight as desired upon the gaskets shown in Figure 1 between them and thecaps 34 to seal the outlets and without stressing the conductors or thejoints between them and the studs 30. The connection thus takes up anydesirable slack in the conductors and is adjustable for variations inthe lengths of the conductors and at the same time the conductors andthe joints between them and the terminal studs 30 are not stressedthereby. The upper projecting ends of the threaded shanks of the studsare externally accessible for applying a tool in the slots in the upperends thereof as shown, or otherwise holding the terminal stud againstturning in threading the nuts thereplace Without imposing any pulling,twist-- ing or other stress upon the conductor and the stud 30.

In Fig. 4 I have shown a modified form of aerial connection in which capmember 34 is cemented upon the upper end of insulating sleeve 25' andthe threaded shank 32' of terminal stud 30 extends out therethro'ugh, as

joint between the before. In this case, the upwardly extending flange 36of cap member. 34 is externally threaded and the lower recessed end ofcap nut 42' is internally threaded for threaded engagement therewith,the upper portion of cap member 4.2 having threaded engagement withshank 32' at 60, as before. The shank 32 is threaded in or out of capnut 42' to properly position the terminal stud according to the lengthof cable conductor 6 and contact nuts 45-46 with terminal 48' clam edtherebetween, are drawn up tightly agalnst the cap nut to lock the nutand terminal 30 in place. The cementing of cap member 34 on insulator 25and the threaded engagement of cap nut 42 with cap member 34' and shank32 provides a tight joint for preventing the entrance of moisture.

In the modification shown in Fig. 5, cap nut 62, instead of havingthreaded engagement with cap member 63, is clamped thereto by bolts 65,cap nut 62 and cap member 63 having cooperating flanges 66 and 68 forthis purpose.

In Fig. 6 I have shown another form of joint that may be used betweenthe cable and the bottom of the bell. In this case the armored cable 5'is unprotected by pipe conduit. A flange ring 70 is clamped to the cablesheath by split clamps 72, one preferably integral with ring 70 and theother clamped about the cable by bolts 74 extending through the clampmembers. The armor sheath is peeled off and conductors 6 led out, asbefore, the upper edge of the sheath being belled out over rounded edgeof ring 70 to relieve sharp corners, potential static and possibleinjury to insulation. Grounding of the cable sheath is had through ring70 and clamping members 72.

In Fig. 7 I have shown a wiped'joint between the cable and the lower endof' the bell.

In this case the joint between the bottom of the bell and cable 5comprises a wiping member 7 8 attached by bolts 79 to flange 80 at thebottom of the bell. This member 78 has 9. depending flange 81 whichconverges into snug engagement at its lower end with the cable sheat anda tight joint isprovided therebetween by a wi ed solder joint 82, suchas is well known in t e art. A sealing mem-- her and wedge, such asshown in Fig. 1, may be provided in connection with this mounting, if sodesired, preferably only where the dimenslons of the cable arerelatively large.

In Figs. 8 and 9 I have shown the aerial terminals of my invention inconnection with an end bell, the bowl 90 of which is formed so thatinlet 91 is at a ninety degree angle to the open top 92 over which cover93 with its lead-out insulators 94 is fastened. This form of t head isof great advantage where it is desired to run the cable horizontallyinto the bowl of the pot head.

To permit left or right hand attachment to the wall or other support,that is, attachment with either the front or rear face against thesupport so that the inlet 91 will extend either to the left or to theright, as desired, the integral mounting ears 95 project from theopposlte ends of bowl 9O midwa between the opposite faces of the bowl:Mounting lugs 96 secured to ears 95 by bolts 98 have flanges 99 throughwhich bolts or other suitable attachment means are inserted to securethe device to the desired support. With lugs 96 in the position shown,the device is adapted for attachment to a wall or other support to theright of the device (Fig. 9.) with inlet 91 extending toward you inlooking at said figure. By removing said lugs 96 and attaching same tothe other sides of ears 95, that is, by reversing the positions of lugs96 and bolts 98, the device is adapted for attachment to a support tothe left (Fig. 9) with inlet 91 extending away, or in the oppositedirection.

The pivotal connection of lugs 96 to ears 95, in either position,permits accommodation to variations in the positioning of the attachingmeans, as for example, to variw tions of thepositioning of the boltsinserted through the mounting eyes in flanges 99 of said ears 95.

When it is desired to mount the device be tween two cross arms 100 and101 (Fig. 10), as is frequently the case, lugs 96 are removed entirelyand relatively long mounting bolts 102 are inserted through alignedopenings in cross arms 100 and 101 and through the openings in ears 95.The free ends of bolts 102 may havethreaded engagement with suitablenuts 103 or they may be otherwise secured in place.

From the foregoing, it will now be apparent that most any desiredpositioning and mounting of the angle bell is thus permltted. This isadvantageous in that the desired positioning or mounting varies indifferent installations, and it has heretofore been necessary to makethe bell for right or left or cross arm mountings, as desired. When madeup for a left hand mounting, the bell could not be mounted right handedand vice versa.

The ninety degree angle shown in Figs. 8, 9

- and 10 is simpl illustrative of an angle bell.

other form of bell. While the aerial connections described in connectionwith Figs..'1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are especially adapted for use with bellsfor outdoor service, where the susceptibilityto the entrance of moistureis greatest and weather conditions are severest, it is to be understoodthat such connections may be used in connection with indoor bells,should* it be desirable, and the improved mounting described inconnection-with Figs. 8, 9 and 10, is, of course, equally applicable forin-' door or outdoor service.

The making of the connections between the cable conductors and terminalstuds provldes a high insulating factor of safety.

nut member threaded upon the shank of the terminal member and"contacting said cap member for adjustably clamping the terminal memberagainst said seating member and in place without stressing theeonductor.

2. In combination, an outlet member, a cap member mounted thereon, aterminal member having an abutment and a threaded shank, a seatingmember threaded into said cap member and adapted to contact the abutmenton the terminal member, and a nut member threaded upon the shank of theterminal member and having contact with the cap member for clamping theterminal member in contact with said seating member.

3. In combination, an outlet member, a cap member mounted thereon, aterminal member having an abutment and a threaded shank, a seatingmember threaded into said cap member and adapted to contact the abutmenton the terminal member, a nut member threaded upon the shank of theterminal member and having contact with the cap member for clamping theterminal member in contact with said seating member, a pair of nutsthreaded upon the shank of the terminal member for locking said last nutmember against displacement and a terminal secured between said locknuts.

4. In combination, an outlet member, a cap member on the end of saidoutlet member and overhanging the same, a conductor ex- I so tendinginto said outlet member, a terminal member disposed in said outletmember and secured mechanically and electrically upon said conductor,and a take-up member adj ustably mounted in said cap memberand adapt- 6!ed to be adjusted engage the terminal upon the shank of the terminalconnection and member for seating same in different positions andmeansfor clamping the terminal member against said take-up member.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination of an.insulating'sleeve, closure means and a terminal connection at the outerend of said sleeve, said rminal connection comprising a terminal studhaving a shoulder and a threaded shank, a take-up member mounted to beadjusted into contact with the shoulder on the terminal connection inthe direction of the length of the conductor and forming an adjusta lestop and seat for the terminal connection and a nut threaded contactingsald -closure means for clamp n the terminal connection in contact withsai take-up member. a 6. An end bell having an inlet opening and anoutlet opening, a sheathed cable extending into the bell throu h oneofthe 0 enings, the end of the cab e being bared o the sheath, meansrigidly securing the sheath to the bell, a terminal secured to the endof the cable within the bell, an insulating compound filling the lowerportion of the bell, a' hollow insulator extending into the bell throughthe other opening, said insulator extending into the compound therebyclosing communication between the opening and the portion of the bellabove the top of the compound, acap member on the. external end of theinsulator and sealed thereto, said cap having a projecting flange andsaid terminal member extend- 4 ing into the opening in the insulator andhaving a threaded shank extending beyond the insulator cap, a cap nut.having threaded engagement with the shank, said cap nut extending overthe flange of the cap and providing a closure therefor, a conductorconnector, and means including a lock nut for securing the connector tothe end of the terminal. 7. In a device of the class described, aninsulating sleeve, closure means and a terminal connection at the outerend of said sleeve, said terminal connection comprising a terminal studhaving a'shoulder and a threaded shank, and means for clamping said studin place, said means comprising an adjustable take-up plug havingthreaded engagement with said closure means, and engageable with theshoulder of the terminal stud, and nut means threaded upon the threadedshank and having engagement with said closure means for clamping theterminal stud against the take-up plug.

8. In a device of the class described, the combination of an insulatingsleeve, a cap at the end of said sleeve, said cap having a projectingflange, a terminal member mounted in said sleeve and having a threadedshank extending through said ca a cap 'nut threaded upon the projectings ank of said terminal member, said cap nut contacting thecap member andrecessed to engage over the projecting flange of said cap, and a take-upmember threaded into said cap and having adjustable cooperation with theterminal member. I

9. In a device of the class described, the combination of an insulatingsleeve, closure means at the end of said sleeve, said closure meanshaving a projecting flange, a terminal [member mounted in said sleeveand having a threaded shank extending through said closure means, a cap'nut threaded upon the projecting shank of said terminal member andrecessed to engage over the projecting flange of said closure means andto contact the closure means, a contact nut threaded upon the projectingshank of the terminal member into engagement with the cap nut and atake-up member threaded into said closure means and having adjustable.cooperation with the terminal member.

10. In a device of the class described, an

insulating sleeve, closure means including a cap member, and a terminalconnection at the outer end of said sleeve, said cap member having aprojecting flange and said terminal connection including a stud having ashoulder and a threaded shank projecting through said cap member, meansfor clamping said stud in place, said means comprising an adjustabletake-up plug having threaded engagement with said cap member andengageable with the shoulder of the terminal stud, and recessed nutmeans threaded upon said threaded shank and engaging the cap member toclamp the terminal connection against the take-up plug.

11. In combination, a hollow insulator, a cap upon the top of theinsulator, a terminal passing through the cap, the cap and terminalhaving inter-engaging shoulders, an adjustable mounting for one of saidshoulders and a cap member seating on said first cap and closing thesame, said second cap member having adjustable engagement with theterminal to draw said shoulders into engagement. 12. In combination, ahollow insulator, a terminal projecting through the end of the same, acap about the end of the insulator through which the terminal projects,means free of the terminal member for adjustin the positionof theterminal in the cap an means for clamping the terminal against saidadjusting means.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 15 day of March,1923.

ALWIN G. STEINMAYER.

